Comments on: Headlines say: ADHD is Bogus?! http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/2010/08/21/headlines-say-adhd-is-bogus/ Bryan Hutchinson's thoughts about ADD ADHD Attention Deficit Disorder and other stuff Sun, 06 May 2012 01:22:33 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 By: Lisa http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/2010/08/21/headlines-say-adhd-is-bogus/comment-page-1/#comment-39875 Lisa Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:55:46 +0000 http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/?p=3955#comment-39875 I've always questions my ADHD diagnosis and actually believe now that I have been diagnosed with PSDT and chronic pain that that ADHD is a Conditioned Attentional Avoidance loop developed early in lift when kids get stressors and negative feedback from family and society. Read this link http://www.adhdtreatment.org/adhd-child/4-adhd-is-a-conditioned-attentional-avoidance-loop-based-defense-skill-not-a-deficit.html I’ve always questions my ADHD diagnosis and actually believe now that I have been diagnosed with PSDT and chronic pain that that ADHD is a Conditioned Attentional Avoidance loop developed early in lift when kids get stressors and negative feedback from family and society. Read this link

http://www.adhdtreatment.org/adhd-child/4-adhd-is-a-conditioned-attentional-avoidance-loop-based-defense-skill-not-a-deficit.html

]]> By: Mindy http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/2010/08/21/headlines-say-adhd-is-bogus/comment-page-1/#comment-39666 Mindy Sat, 28 Aug 2010 16:07:58 +0000 http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/?p=3955#comment-39666 Bryan, I do agree that the label of ADD/ADHD is being put on children way too much and who is labeling them? The teachers---what proof do they have? What do the teachers even know about ADD/ADHD? They are not doctors and they should not practice being one. Because they stare out the window, act as the class clown, etc? Ok, maybe the child is bored, is having problems at home either with parents fighting because of loss of jobs, no money, losing their houses, and the list goes on. Most people today are under alot of stress and these children do not understand. I think, after discussing with some teachers where I live, have told me that their whole class has ADD. I have asked what do you know about ADD and what makes you assume that is what you children have? Depending on the state, teachers are hired whether they are qualified or not, just apply and you are a teacher. I call this "The Flavor of the Week" --it is like fibromyalgia..9 years ago if you said to a Dr you think you might have Fibromyalgia..right away they put you on antidepresants and sent you to a shrink, now if you go to the Dr and you say you have joint pains you automatically have fibromyalgia..No testing--just the response you have fibromyalgia. For Adults - I have always had insurance and never had any major health problems, but, I cannot get any insurance at all...Why? All the companies have told me that since I have ADD and have also been diagnoised with Fibromyalgia, they cannot insure me. I have all this for 5 years and always had the best insurance, my cobra ran out and I am considered unisurable. I said that is crazy...the reason that they al gave me was because the meds for both are too expensive and that is why I am not insurable... Ok, so now I have no insurance, but the ADA has put ADD on the top of the list along with any other mental health issue...What is up with that? The big topper is that two weeks ago I had a slight heart attack and had to be rushed to the hospital...They asked about the meds I am on and whne they saw I was on Adderall they asked why. I said because I have ADD. I was asked again and again who told me, have I been tested and also that I do not look like I have ADD....Hospital 1 Since I do not have insurance and the cardiologist refused to see me, I had to go to another hosital and another set of Dr's to figure out what was going on and at least five times I was told by a Dr or Nurse that I do not look like I have ADD...What do we look like? Or what are we supposed to look like...I think I look like anyone else and I was tested 5 years ago by one of the best places and know I have ADD. So people, it is sad that ADD is being named to children that do not have ADD and have not been tested and for Adults we have to have a certain type of look... I am proud that I have ADD - it has opened my life to new adventures, has made me realize why I did things in the past and so on.. Just curious have others been told they do not look like they have ADD? Sorry so long--but I just do not get it... Bryan,
I do agree that the label of ADD/ADHD is being put on children way too much and who is labeling them? The teachers—what proof do they have? What do the teachers even know about ADD/ADHD? They are not doctors and they should not practice being one. Because they stare out the window, act as the class clown, etc? Ok, maybe the child is bored, is having problems at home either with parents fighting because of loss of jobs, no money, losing their houses, and the list goes on. Most people today are under alot of stress and these children do not understand.

I think, after discussing with some teachers where I live, have told me that their whole class has ADD. I have asked what do you know about ADD and what makes you assume that is what you children have? Depending on the state, teachers are hired whether they are qualified or not, just apply and you are a teacher.

I call this “The Flavor of the Week” –it is like fibromyalgia..9 years ago if you said to a Dr you think you might have Fibromyalgia..right away they put you on antidepresants and sent you to a shrink, now if you go to the Dr and you say you have joint pains you automatically have fibromyalgia..No testing–just the response you have fibromyalgia.

For Adults – I have always had insurance and never had any major health problems, but, I cannot get any insurance at all…Why? All the companies have told me that since I have ADD and have also been diagnoised with Fibromyalgia, they cannot insure me. I have all this for 5 years and always had the best insurance, my cobra ran out and I am considered unisurable. I said that is crazy…the reason that they al gave me was because the meds for both are too expensive and that is why I am not insurable…

Ok, so now I have no insurance, but the ADA has put ADD on the top of the list along with any other mental health issue…What is up with that?

The big topper is that two weeks ago I had a slight heart attack and had to be rushed to the hospital…They asked about the meds I am on and whne they saw I was on Adderall they asked why. I said because I have ADD. I was asked again and again who told me, have I been tested and also that I do not look like I have ADD….Hospital 1

Since I do not have insurance and the cardiologist refused to see me, I had to go to another hosital and another set of Dr’s to figure out what was going on and at least five times I was told by a Dr or Nurse that I do not look like I have ADD…What do we look like? Or what are we supposed to look like…I think I look like anyone else and I was tested 5 years ago by one of the best places and know I have ADD.

So people, it is sad that ADD is being named to children that do not have ADD and have not been tested and for Adults we have to have a certain type of look…

I am proud that I have ADD – it has opened my life to new adventures, has made me realize why I did things in the past and so on..

Just curious have others been told they do not look like they have ADD?

Sorry so long–but I just do not get it…

]]> By: Betsy Davenport, PhD http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/2010/08/21/headlines-say-adhd-is-bogus/comment-page-1/#comment-39544 Betsy Davenport, PhD Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:46:07 +0000 http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/?p=3955#comment-39544 Jane, well put. It has always fascinated -- and appalled -- me to see how many people take the moral high ground regarding things about which they have not troubled themselves to learn. The rest of us, as you say, live it every day yet have little credibility with them. The good news is, we don't need anybody's approval for this or anything, Jane, well put. It has always fascinated — and appalled — me to see how many people take the moral high ground regarding things about which they have not troubled themselves to learn.

The rest of us, as you say, live it every day yet have little credibility with them. The good news is, we don’t need anybody’s approval for this or anything,

]]> By: Jane http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/2010/08/21/headlines-say-adhd-is-bogus/comment-page-1/#comment-39499 Jane Tue, 24 Aug 2010 21:09:23 +0000 http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/?p=3955#comment-39499 Those who write headlines and news have no experience with my daughter, they have not spend a day with her nor will they ever. They tell stories while mothers and fathers are wondering about the future of their children. Those who write headlines and news have no experience with my daughter, they have not spend a day with her nor will they ever. They tell stories while mothers and fathers are wondering about the future of their children.

]]> By: Bryan Hutchinson http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/2010/08/21/headlines-say-adhd-is-bogus/comment-page-1/#comment-39432 Bryan Hutchinson Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:26:57 +0000 http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/?p=3955#comment-39432 Hi Janet, Thank you for sharing with us. I am sorry your sister holds this belief while you struggle and I commend you for being the stronger one. I would though ask her to be more thoughtful of your son's opinion of you due to her opinion. That's not right or nice of her in this regard, even if she doesn't believe you, she can still respect the mother / son relationship and how it grows. I so agree that we must work on ourselves first, though. Family is not always easy. I am glad you had a wonderful trip around Europe :) Bryan Hi Janet,

Thank you for sharing with us. I am sorry your sister holds this belief while you struggle and I commend you for being the stronger one. I would though ask her to be more thoughtful of your son’s opinion of you due to her opinion. That’s not right or nice of her in this regard, even if she doesn’t believe you, she can still respect the mother / son relationship and how it grows. I so agree that we must work on ourselves first, though. Family is not always easy.

I am glad you had a wonderful trip around Europe :)

Bryan

]]> By: Janet http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/2010/08/21/headlines-say-adhd-is-bogus/comment-page-1/#comment-39384 Janet Sun, 22 Aug 2010 16:31:04 +0000 http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/?p=3955#comment-39384 Bryan Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I took my older sister w us for 12days cruising around Europe. At certain moments i would explain about ADHD how I used to feel shamed at the particular situation we were in but on meds and with knowledge i know what i need to do to compensate for my ADHD I explained with dignity how my brain works differently. Directions can get jumbled so I write them down no matter how simple. She scoffed at my behavior and called me ridiculous but I let her know it is attitudes like that, that make people w this brain disorder feel stupid and look thoughtless. I know what to do for myself to enable me to function the way I choose. She may still choose to disrespect and disregard me but I know I gave her all the information and showed her how accepting my ADD and getting treatment, I have rid myself of shame and the disgrace I would endure because of mishaps I now know I had little ability to control. I am far from perfect and I still get overwhelmed. I am learning to incorporate exercise and meditation, chunking tasks along with a lot of humor! By the way, I love and always have, my passion for life, people, and my. Creative abilities overall I was sad that since my son is going thru a tough time puberty and lack of drug support due to bad reactions we are working on a new doctor plan and support for him. She saw him loosing it and it was bad but to tell me to institutionalize him wAs the a new shocking attitude since she just blamed me for bad parenting before that. I hoped she would see the whole picture about us by being with us on a wonderful tour of Italy Malta tenisia and France we enjoyed a lot together, don't get me wrong, I am grateful I got to share this wonderful experience with my only sister and my son and husband. My husband and my sister had a few bonding moments at my expense but if it made my sister feel more at ease to dis me w him so be it. We are sisters. Rivalry I guess is natural. Aren't we all used to the jokes about our lateness etc while we are focused on what thoughtful gift or action we just had to finish doing getting etc to bring to the event. I have gotten better w a child. I even get dressed quicker now! We can't expect to change people until we can truly change our own belief in ourselves. I am handicapped but like others if I work hard and have determination, positive energy support which I can't get if I don't tell people what I struggle to overcome. We can accomplish our dreams we can have fun and openly work towards them. Our talents and positive qualities out shine disorganization but they get lost when disorganization prevents our talents grow and positive qualities shine. It is connected. I hope this community can openly support each other in a way other communities can not understand. Anyone can feel free to write to me. I know how important it is to have people who give you love and support. I believe and support everyone's ability to achieve happiness. Again, Thanks Bryan for this place to hear and connect w others and to feel accepted to say what and how we feel safely. I know we all speak from the heart. Bryan
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I took my older sister w us for 12days cruising around Europe. At certain moments i would explain about ADHD how I used to feel shamed at the particular situation we were in but on meds and with knowledge i know what i need to do to compensate for my ADHD I explained with dignity how my brain works differently. Directions can get jumbled so I write them down no matter how simple. She scoffed at my behavior and called me ridiculous but I let her know it is attitudes like that, that make people w this brain disorder feel stupid and look thoughtless. I know what to do for myself to enable me to function the way I choose. She may still choose to disrespect and disregard me but I know I gave her all the information and showed her how accepting my ADD and getting treatment, I have rid myself of shame and the disgrace I would endure because of mishaps I now know I had little ability to control. I am far from perfect and I still get overwhelmed. I am learning to incorporate exercise and meditation, chunking tasks along with a lot of humor! By the way, I love and always have, my passion for life, people, and my. Creative abilities overall I was sad that since my son is going thru a tough time puberty and lack of drug support due to bad reactions we are working on a new doctor plan and support for him. She saw him loosing it and it was bad but to tell me to institutionalize him wAs the a new shocking attitude since she just blamed me for bad parenting before that. I hoped she would see the whole picture about us by being with us on a wonderful tour of Italy Malta tenisia and France we enjoyed a lot together, don’t get me wrong, I am grateful I got to share this wonderful experience with my only sister and my son and husband. My husband and my sister had a few bonding moments at my expense but if it made my sister feel more at ease to dis me w him so be it. We are sisters. Rivalry I guess is natural. Aren’t we all used to the jokes about our lateness etc while we are focused on what thoughtful gift or action we just had to finish doing getting etc to bring to the event. I have gotten better w a child. I even get dressed quicker now!
We can’t expect to change people until we can truly change our own belief in ourselves. I am handicapped but like others if I work hard and have determination, positive energy support which I can’t get if I don’t tell people what I struggle to overcome. We can accomplish our dreams we can have fun and openly work towards them. Our talents and positive qualities out shine disorganization but they get lost when disorganization prevents our talents grow and positive qualities shine. It is connected. I hope this community can openly support each other in a way other communities can not understand. Anyone can feel free to write to me. I know how important it is to have people who give you love and support. I believe and support everyone’s ability to achieve happiness.
Again, Thanks Bryan for this place to hear and connect w others and to feel accepted to say what and how we feel safely. I know we all speak from the heart.

]]> By: Bryan Hutchinson http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/2010/08/21/headlines-say-adhd-is-bogus/comment-page-1/#comment-39362 Bryan Hutchinson Sun, 22 Aug 2010 06:59:33 +0000 http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/?p=3955#comment-39362 Sounds like fun Donna :) Sounds like fun Donna :)

]]> By: Bryan Hutchinson http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/2010/08/21/headlines-say-adhd-is-bogus/comment-page-1/#comment-39361 Bryan Hutchinson Sun, 22 Aug 2010 06:57:26 +0000 http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/?p=3955#comment-39361 Unfortunately, ScottyDoo, that's all too common. Personally, I would not try to educate the person because that type of mindset is nearly impossible to change even if you provide evidence etc. In your case, you know your reality and that of your child and that's the way you are treating it, the right way for you. As someone who grew up undiagnosed, you may want to consider a formal diagnosis for your son by a specialist and that way he can be treated properly from the get-go. Most people who claim "ADD crap" really have no understanding of the disorder and are not going to take the time to understand it, arguing with them about it will only lead to your own frustration and create an environment you may not be comfortable in. Just my 2cents. Bests and good luck :) Bryan Unfortunately, ScottyDoo, that’s all too common. Personally, I would not try to educate the person because that type of mindset is nearly impossible to change even if you provide evidence etc. In your case, you know your reality and that of your child and that’s the way you are treating it, the right way for you. As someone who grew up undiagnosed, you may want to consider a formal diagnosis for your son by a specialist and that way he can be treated properly from the get-go. Most people who claim “ADD crap” really have no understanding of the disorder and are not going to take the time to understand it, arguing with them about it will only lead to your own frustration and create an environment you may not be comfortable in. Just my 2cents.

Bests and good luck :)

Bryan

]]> By: ScottyDoo http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/2010/08/21/headlines-say-adhd-is-bogus/comment-page-1/#comment-39337 ScottyDoo Sun, 22 Aug 2010 00:45:59 +0000 http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/?p=3955#comment-39337 My 5yo son just started school for the first time, and we are extremely nervous. Both his parents have ADHD and he displays more than enough traits to be diagnosed, and essentially has been with the comment to wait and see how he develops because he's so young. One of my coworkers told me to be careful and don't let any of his teachers try and tell us he has this "ADD crap" because they just made it up so they don't have to deal with the creative, intelligent kids that don't fit the mold of the average student. I was amazed when she said that. I've been very open about my diagnosis and my struggles with my coworkers, but now I know how she really feels. She must just assume that I was brainwashed into thinking I have this "ADD crap" My 5yo son just started school for the first time, and we are extremely nervous. Both his parents have ADHD and he displays more than enough traits to be diagnosed, and essentially has been with the comment to wait and see how he develops because he’s so young.

One of my coworkers told me to be careful and don’t let any of his teachers try and tell us he has this “ADD crap” because they just made it up so they don’t have to deal with the creative, intelligent kids that don’t fit the mold of the average student.

I was amazed when she said that. I’ve been very open about my diagnosis and my struggles with my coworkers, but now I know how she really feels. She must just assume that I was brainwashed into thinking I have this “ADD crap”

]]> By: Bryan Hutchinson http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/2010/08/21/headlines-say-adhd-is-bogus/comment-page-1/#comment-39329 Bryan Hutchinson Sat, 21 Aug 2010 22:14:37 +0000 http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/?p=3955#comment-39329 Excellent points, Gina. :) On the 'gift' part, I don’t really think that applies to this, though. Everyone can determine for themselves what their gifts are and no one has the right to take that away from them, no report or anyone. Excellent points, Gina. :)

On the ‘gift’ part, I don’t really think that applies to this, though. Everyone can determine for themselves what their gifts are and no one has the right to take that away from them, no report or anyone.

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